What have we lost – not just access to our Club – but so much more…
There is strong evidence that supports the close relationship between people’s health and the living conditions which form their social environment (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003). This includes public spaces and facilities, green spaces, the activities we engage in, social connectedness, power and support, and community spirit. These are known as the social determinants of health and act together to strengthen or undermine the health of individuals and community. To improve the health and well-being of our community, we need access to community services that address the social factors that contribute to our physical and mental health.
 | We start from a low base. Across our region there exists suggestions of loneliness, isolation, and an ageing population. Over 40% of our Vincentia population has one or more long term health conditions. On top of this, of course, are the unprecedented and catastrophic events we have faced of drought, bushfires, floods and COVID, all compounding the existing socio and economic disadvantage of our community. Aligning physical and mental health needs, with social supports to improve health and wellness, is understood to enable communities – exploring strengths, discovering opportunities and support. The Ottawa Charter was developed by the World Health Organization as a framework for improving the health of populations and individuals. The two principles that stand out are: |
• create supportive environments such as social, physical and cultural aspects of health; and
• strengthen community action to facilitate partnerships and participation by community groups to ensure they have equitable access to resources and services.
Vincentia Golf Club offered a meeting space, a community facility, a green space to engage and interact with nature and oneself, to socialise, to find your tribe, to be part of a community. All this has currently been taken away – the Bingo, golf, darts, poker, the registered Club, the restaurant, the meeting space, the community. Look at all the comments felt from the heart from people who hold this place dear to themselves, families and their community. Such spaces are rapidly being lost, never to be regained. Vincentia Golf Course is worth fighting for both as individuals and as part of the Jervis Bay and wider community – it really is about staying connected to the places we need.
Written by Simone Jones
FoVGC Comms Sub-Committee Member
Wilkinson, Richard & Marmot, Michael. (2003). Social determinants of health: the solid facts. (2nd ed.) World Health Organization (WHO), Regional Office for Europe. Available https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/326568